Alpena 4-H recognizes youth, bestows highest annual honor

November 4, 2013

Some 65 different youth ranging in age from 5 to 18 received accolades for their 4-H project achievements this past year during the recent county awards banquet.

During the banquet, 4-H staff, council members, leaders and parents thanked their kids for the positive work they do in the Alpena community and the 4-H projects they put so much time and energy into completing. Youth received project pins in categories ranging from arts and crafts to public speaking, animal science to food and nutrition, and clothing and textiles to woodworking.

Additional members were recognized for leadership or citizenship project work and for overall achievement throughout the year.

Sponsors and special guests, including County Commissioner Tom Mullaney, presented the awards.

Joining 4-H in recognizing some special works were members of the Alpena County Agricultural Society who gave two awards: one for outstanding individual service during fair week and another to the Future Tradesman's 4-H Club for service recognition during the same week.

4-H bestowed the Adeline Alexander Memorial Award on 4-Her Carly Leatzow for her work in home economics project areas. The "I Dare You" leadership award and leadership camp invitation went to Jessiaca Schoville. Bobby Kowalski, Anissa Eagling and Ethan Leatzow were recognized as Master Stockman for their overall knowledge of animal science.

The evening culminated with the announcement of the 2013-14 4-Her of the Year. Mr. & Mrs. Dale Huggler have been the sole sponsors of this award since its inception in 1975.

The winner will represent 4-H for Alpena County at various public events throughout the coming year and make public presentations on behalf of the program during that same period. The Hugglers presented runner up honors to Kelsey Udell, daughter of Casey and Tricia Udell of Herron.

They awarded the title of 4-Her of the Year to Brandon Borke, son of Ron and Lynn Borke of Hubbard Lake. The award comes with a gift card and official jacket donated by the Huggler family.

In addition to the youth 4-H members, volunteers and staff recognize an outstanding Volunteer of the Year. Dione Oliver was honored at the event for her tireless dedication to the 4-H youth development program.